Zhen Surname

Surname Overview

Zhen is a currently rare surname, pronounced zhèn. It is recorded in the Xutongzhi: Clan Records and the Xing shi kao lüe.

Reference: 镇姓_镇姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Origins

Family Tradition of Origin

A Zhen family tradition states that its ancestors were Jurchen and Jin people, and that the surname arose from “Jinzhen.” It also states that the family moved from Dalishu in Emei Mountain, Ba County, Sichuan, to Songzi in 1363, with Guxi and Guyu as remote ancestors.

Reference: 镇姓_镇姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Zhenhai and the Surname Lineage

The records state that the Zhen surname came from the Jurchen and descended from Zhenhai. Zhenhai (1160–1251) was a Kereit official of the Mongol Empire, serving as che'erbi and chancellor, and was appointed a commander of one hundred households.

Reference: 中国百家姓一一642 镇姓

Historical Records

Documentary and Early Records

The surname Zhen was absent from earlier editions of the Baijiaxing. The Zhen entry in the Kangxi Dictionary records, “Only Songzi in Hubei has this surname.” It is said to have been added to the Wanshingpu after Zhen Meijin passed the provincial examination.

Reference: 镇姓_镇姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Migration and Distribution

The Zhen surname is currently distributed across the townships of Songzi, Hubei, especially Xizhai, and is also found in Xian'an District of Xianning, Shashi, Zhijiang, Badong, Gong'an, and Wufeng. Small numbers also live in Nantong, Jiangsu; Shimen and Lixian, Hunan; Wushan, Sichuan; and Shanghai.

Reference: 镇姓_镇姓的来源和历史_百家姓

Research Notes

Limits of Records and Genealogies

Because of its small population, economic hardship, and repeated migrations, the Zhen lineage has lacked detailed written records of its origin, development, and changes. Separate genealogies exist for Songzi and Xianning, while the records also state that no family genealogy was available for consultation.

Reference: 镇姓_镇姓的来源和历史_百家姓